Oktoberfest unites the world in a celebration of German food and spirit

8:34 AM,
Oct. 3, 2012

A dish of kielbasa, knockwurst and bratwurst with German potato salad and sauerkraut.

Written by

Susan Bloom
| For NJ Press Media

Oktoberfest, beginning each year in late September and concluding on the first Sunday of October according to German practice, is a 16-day-long festival heavy on savory foods, rich brews, and the spirit of family, friends and the season.

Now more than 200 years old, Oktoberfest, officially celebrated in Munich, takes place both worldwide and in large gatherings around the U.S. in such cities as Cincinnati, St. Louis and Milwaukee, as well as in towns in every state.

"Oktoberfest began in October 1810 in honor of the marriage of (German) King Ludwig I to Princess Theresa von ...